NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The new Reno Connections Community Care Coordinator, Valerie Taylor wants to help families get connected to the help they are looking for, but you need to go see her in person at her new office in the Hutchinson Public Library to be able to best make that happen.
"I am doing a lot of triaging over the phone," Taylor said. "I really would like people to come in to the office, to put a face to the name, but also to dig a little deeper. Looking at any types of trauma that may be within the family unit and connecting them to the appropriate mental health or other support groups that would benefit them. Looking at childcare needs, after school programming, further education for the adults, which then requires filling out that FAFSA. Maybe they haven't accessed food stamps and that is something they are eligible for, right now, we have a lot of Christmas programs going on in the community that people aren't aware of either. Just getting those people connected."
She does want any potential recipients to call first, though, because she doesn't want to double book, as she understands there is a need for privacy in some of these matters.
"They can make a phone call," Taylor said. "The phone number is (620) 663-5441 ext. 127. That is the library's phone number. My office is located in the second floor in the library. I strongly suggest that you call beforehand, if you are going to make the trip up to meet me face-to-face, so that I can appropriately schedule you. Also, if you're not able to make a phone call or not comfortable with that, you can go on the website."
It's important to know that Taylor has been down this road herself, so she can remember how it felt for those in need.
"I not only have education and experience in connecting people to resources, but I have a lifelong experience in adversity," Taylor said. "Going from when I was very little, being in foster care and growing up through the system, being a product of the system. Then, in my late 20s, I became addicted to drugs. I am in long-term recovery. I have not used a mind altering substance since February 23, 2017. I moved to this town of Hutchinson in July 2017 and virtually rebuilt myself here in this town, accessing different programs like the Oxford House. I went to Mirror treatment center and used many things like the Salvation Army to help when we didn't have enough food in the house, I wasn't making enough income, but also knowing that I'm resilient and that not all people have that within their DNA and that's OK. That's why there's people like me out there."
Taylor also will continue to engage in community collaboration activities, educate, and strengthen relationships across the nonprofit and medical sector, so that resources can remain available for those who need them.